Chris Moneymaker

Chris Moneymaker’s journey into the poker limelight started as an ordinary one. Having spent his early years in Atlanta before moving to Tennessee, Chris gained a master’s degree in accounting at the state university and began his career in the industry. In his spare time though he began playing poker – a step that would lead him to become perhaps the most important person in world poker.

His story has been well told. When Chris arrived in Las Vegas to play the World Series Main Event he was playing in his first ever live tournament and against all expectation he first reached the final table and then shocked the world, winning the gold bracelet and a prize of $2,500,000.

Having begun playing on the internet Chris was responsible for thousands more following his example, a surge known as the ‘Moneymaker Effect’. The story of an amateur beating world class players, and earning millions, sparked a wave of interest with people all over the world playing poker online for the first time.

Chris’s record didn’t stop with his World Series victory and less than 12 months later he finishes runner up at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Stars tournament, a spot worth $200,000. That summer he narrowly missed out on a second WSOP* final table, finishing 10th in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event. He also makes regular appearances on the PokerStars European Poker Tour, adding a further $24,480 to his total winnings after a 17th place finish at EPT London in 2007.

Chris spends most of his free time with his family, when not travelling the world playing poker. He also has and hand in business and released his autobiography in 2005. Any other spare time is spent on various sports including golf, football and basketball.

Undoubtedly Chris will be remembered for his victory in 2003 regardless of what he goes on to achieve. It’s a legacy he’s rightfully proud of and one that has provided the kind of life poker players aspire to. As a member of Team PokerStars Pro Chris plays online under the name ‘Money800’.
Career Highlights
Event Date Position Prize
2003 WSOP $10,000 Main Event May 2003 1st $2,500,000
WPT Bay 101 Shooting Stars $5,500 Main Event March 2004 2nd $200,000
2004 WSOP $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha May 2004 10th $21,000
EPT London £5,200 No Limit Hold’em September 2007 17th $24,480
PokerStars WCOOP $10,300 No Limit Hold'em September 2008 6th $139,635